Care Instructions

Good handmade area rugs can last for generations.

A fine rug can last for generations, and age superbly with proper rug care. Following these simple recommendations for rug care will help you in taking good care of your handmade fine area rug.

Vacuuming

You can absolutely vacuum your hand knotted rug, however never vacuum any of the fringes on your rug. The continued catching of the fringe in the suction of a vacuum cleaner can cause the fringe to break and tear. Always vacuum your carpet with the suction attachment only (NEVER USE THE BEATER BRUSH) to remove surface dirt. Beater brushes can remove a small amount of pile with each use and can destroy fringe over time.

Cleaning/Washing

The beauty and life of your fine hand knotted rug depends largely on rug care that your rugs receive. Alyshaan recommends that you have your rugs washed regularly depending on the use and the amount of traffic. Hand-knotted rugs should NEVER be “steam cleaned” or dry cleaned as this will cause dyes to bleed and can shrink fibers. These types of rugs need to be cleaned by a rug specialist.

Removing Spills

A general method for removing spills that can be applied to a majority of handmade rugs .Take care of any kind of spill immediately; first grab a colorfast towel (preferably white) and lay the towel over the spill (without applying pressure) allowing the towel to soak up as much as possible, prior to finally applying pressure. Continue to add small amounts of pressure while bloating up the entirety of the spill.

Rotation

Rotating a rug may not be possible for different reasons but whenever possible the rug should be rotated once every year.  This should help to balance any fading and wear on your hand knotted rug. On intense sunny days, use curtains, window shades or shutters to help lessen the harmful effects of direct sunlight to your rugs.

Padding

Alyshaan exclusively uses the industry leading pad. We use the best pads available and cut them to the size of the rug minus 2 inches on each side.  The right pad under your rug adds cushion, keeps the rug from bunching or sliding and most importantly protects the rug and minimizes the chance of the rug slipping. 

Inferior pads have been known to disintegrate prematurely and can even tarnish porous flooring. Alyshaan’s pad has the highest life expectancy and is guaranteed safe for most commonly used services

Dampness

Hand-knotted rugs, made with natural fibers like wool and silk, should avoid excessive water exposure. Small amounts of water for a spot cleaning is ok, but soaking and saturating the rug can cause damage. 

  1. Color Bleeding: Some dyes use din hand-knotted rugs may not be completely colorfast. Excessive water can cause dyes to bleed, leading colors to running and staining.  
  2. Shrinking: Natural fibers like wool have a tendency to shrink when exposed to water. Allowing rugs to remain damp for extended periods can lead to distortion of the rug’s shape. 
  3. Mold/Mildew: Dampness can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew especially in rugs that are stored or placed in humid environments. This can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to the fibers.  
  4. Weakened Foundation: The foundation of a hand-knotted rug which includes the warp and weft can weaken if exposed to water. This can affect the rugs durability and structural integrity over time.

Hanging

Hanging a hand-knotted rug on a wall can be a beautiful way to display its intricate design and craftsmanship. Here are some things to consider prior to hanging a rug. 

  1. Prepare the rug: You will need to have a sleeve or a pocket sewn on the back of the rug. Thus you will need a pole to support the sleeve and rug. 
  2. Depending on the wall type, you will need to use anchors and screws to properly attach the rug clips or rod brackets to the wall.

Crushed Pile

If the pile of your hand knotted rug has been crushed or flattened there are steps you can take to help restore the appearance. 

  1. Vacuum: Start by vacuuming the rug thoroughly this can help to break up the pile and bring its previous pile height back to shape. 
  2. Reverse Roll: Rug the rug up in the opposite direction of the pile for a few hours, this can help lift the flattened fibers. 
  3. Rug Brush: You can lightly brush the rug fibers, to fluff up the fibers (you should brush in the direction of the pile).
  4. Damp Towel Method: Dampen a clean town (ensure its not soaking wet) lay the towel down over the pile, gently press down the towel and rub in the direction of the pile. This helps the fibers swell and regain their shape. *Ensure the rug completely dries.

Moths

Protecting hand-knotted rugs from moths is important, especially during storage. Moths are attracted to natural fibers like wool and silk. Here are a couple tips to protect your hand knotted rugs.

  1. Clean thoroughly: Ensure the rug is cleaned before storing, as moths are attracted to dirt, oil and food particles. 
  2. Use Moth Repellents: There are various types of commercial moth repellents available. Cedar chips, blocks, lavender sachets, or cedar oil are effective natural options. Commercial moth balls crystals also work but they leave a strong odor. 
  3. Vacuum: Vacuum both sides of the rug prior to storage this will ensure to remove any potentially eggs/larve.
  4. Rotate: If possible periodically unroll and air out the rug, moths are less likely to infest rugs that are regularly disturbed.

Storing

Storing a hand-knotted rug properly is important to maintain quality and prevent damage. Here are some steps to store a hand-knotted rug. 

  1. Clean up the rug: Make sure the rug is cleaned and completely dry before storing it. Moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth. 
  2. Rolling: Roll the rug up tightly but not too tight to avoid creases. Rolling it too tightly can cause permanent damage to the fibers. 
  3. Elevate off the floor: Store the rolled rug off the ground. You can place it on a shelf, pallets, or blocks to elevate it from potential moisture.
  4. Protection: Cover the rolled rug with a breathable material like a cotton sheet to protect it from dust and pests.
  5. Avoid Sunlight: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the colors over time. 
  6. Regular Inspections: Check the rug periodically, especially if it’s in a long term storage, to ensure there are no signs of moisture, pests, or other damage